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Title: Species Survival Officer: Reptiles

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Director of Conservation

Principal functions: The Species Survival Officer: Reptiles plays a key role in advancing the conservation outcomes of the NMBPS and Center for Species Survival for reptiles, serving as subject matter expert on all projects with a taxonomic scope in herpetofauna.

 

Position Description:

This is a full-time benefited position with no posted end date. The primary responsibility of this position is to project manage and deliver outcomes in support of a global reptile reassessment for the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species, beginning with the reptiles of Central America.

 

Position summary:

The successful applicant will play a key role within the BioPark’s conservation mission by advancing a global reassessment of reptile extinction risk for the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. This work will be completed in close collaboration with the IUCN’s Species Survival Commission network, the IUCN SSC Snake and Lizard Red List Authority, New Mexico Biopark Society Staff, ABQ Biopark Staff and the global aquarium and zoo community. The successful applicant will also play a key role in linking the facility’s regional and international conservation programs with ongoing work in the IUCN SSC, and will play a supporting role in the development of national red lists and other key metrics of conservation success in support of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

 

Key Requirements: 

Minimum Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or related field
  • Two years of relevant experience in a biological sciences or conservation field
  • A high level of proficiency in scientific writing in English and proficiency communicating with a variety of audiences (academic, public, membership, non-governmental stakeholders)
  • Must be legally eligible for employment within the United States

 

Preferred Skills

  • Master’s degree in biological sciences/conservation or related fields
  • Demonstrated experience in scientific and public engagement, including good presentation skills.
  • Strong natural history field skills and familiarity with herpetofauna in the southwestern United states and globally
  • Understanding of species conservation and emerging threats in the southwestern United States
  • Understanding of key theoretical underpinnings of species conservation globally (e.g., evolutionary ecology, physiology, invasion ecology, landscape ecology and land-use change)
  • Working knowledge of GIS software
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of partners and disciplines, oftentimes across significant cultural and language barriers
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across a variety of projects, develop and maintain relationships with staff and partners
  • Ability to work both as an independent contributor and as part of a collaborative team
  • Self-motivated with an attention to detail and strong organizational skills

 

 

Key Areas of Responsibility: 

  • Complete ‘Introduction to the IUCN Red List’ online course, having passed the final course examination with a score of 80% or higher within one month of hire
  • With guidance from New Mexico BioPark Society staff, the SSC Chair’s Office, and the Snake and Lizard Red List Authority, oversee the reassessment of Central American reptiles within one year of hire, including:
    • Conceptualize and draft assessments for all Central American reptiles
    • Serve as reviewer for assessments prior to publication.
    • Conduct species-specific background research on distribution, population size and trends, habitat, and ecology, threats, use and trade, and existing conservation actions
    • Organize and facilitate international expert review workshops and solicit stakeholder input, where appropriate
    • Write proposals, reports and scientific papers
    • Engage with and liaise with stakeholders and partners of the IUCN SSC and Red List
    • Promote the BioPark’s conservation efforts to Biopark staff and visitors through regular talks and workshops
    • Serve as subject matter expert to the public, the zoological community and the wider conservation community in media and at professional conferences
    • Advance the global reptile reassessment through additional geographically or taxonomically focused projects, as appropriate
  • Cultivate partnerships, conservation plans, and direct conservation action with regional natural resource management agencies and international conservation stakeholders
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., Herpetology curatorial staff and keepers) to advance herpetological conservation at ABQ BioPark through ex situ and in situ activities

 

 

Working Conditions:

  • Ability to operate in harsh, physically demanding landscapes and weather conditions, including the ability to hike on uneven terrain for a prolonged period while carrying gear and supplies, comfortability camping in remote areas, exposure to extreme heat, cold, and wind, and an ability to lift equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
  • Ability to operate effectively outside of normal business hours, where necessary (note: this position is required to collaborate across a range of time zones, sometimes resulting in early morning or late night meetings)
  • Ability to travel to and navigate effectively in non-English speaking countries

 

 
Apply Online Now
 
Deadline for submissions is November 14, 2023